Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range of Variables defines the different contexts, work environments and parameters governing the performance of this unit of competency. The variables chosen in training and assessment will need to reflect local industry and regional contexts.

What are the relevant Federal, State legislation and local regulations that may be included?
Environmental protection, vertebrate pests, use of firearms (including licensing requirements and exemptions), humane treatment of animals, activities in nature reserves and heritage areas, poisons and veterinary substances, identification and reporting of suspected outbreaks of exotic disease, OHS regulations, and common law principles relating to property, stock, duty of care and due diligence.

What safe stowing and loading procedures are relevant to this standard?
Firearms are to be unloaded and stowed in safety mode with muzzle pointing in safe direction away from personnel and critical aircraft components as necessary

What safe handling procedures are relevant to this standard?
Firearms are handled safely with muzzle horizontal or pointing towards the ground and outside the aircraft during loading and unloading as required. Baits are safely ejected from the aircraft in pre-determined locations in accordance with the pest control strategy.

What might be included as resources?
Human, financial and physical (firearms, ammunition, poisons, veterinary products).

What documentation will be included?
All relevant documents.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?
Competence in conducting pest control activities from aircraft requires evidence that pest control activities have been safely and appropriately completed in an aircraft according to enterprise guidelines and industry best practice. The skills and knowledge required to conduct pest control activities from aircraft must be transferable to a range of work environments and contexts. For example, this could include different pests, aircraft, firearms and activities.
What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria?

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this standard in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this unit are listed below:

Relevant legislation.
OHS regulations.
Common law principles relating to property, stock, duty of care and due diligence.
Risks to land users posed by pests.
Emergency procedures appropriate to the firearms and/or bait handling.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

To achieve the performance criteria, some complementary skills are required. These skills include the ability to:

Plan own work activities.
Manage own time.
Apply air safety principles.
Read maps and plot locations.

Are there other competency standards that could be assessed with this one?
This competency standard could be assessed on its own or in combination with other competencies relevant to the job function.

Essential Assessment Information
For information about

What processes should be applied to this competency standard?
There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life, which are required in all jobs. They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions. Some of these are covered by the key competencies, although others may be added. The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this competency standard. Following each question a number in brackets indicates the level to which the key competency needs to be demonstrated where 0 = not required, 1 = perform the process, 2 = perform and administer the process and 3 = perform, administer and design the process.
Communicating ideas and information
Clarify requirements and expectations for the job, liaise with work colleagues during work activities, and document work activities in writing. (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Determine materials and equipment requirements. (2)

Planning and organising activities
Organise own work activities. (2)

Working with others and in teams
Collaborate with work colleagues during work activities. (3)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Plot route and location on property, local or regional map. (2)

Solving problems
Consider problems that arise during the job and determine contingency activities. (1)

Using technology
Support the aircraft pilot as required. (2)